WHAT'S NEW

Patients who present with venous ulcers often know the complications associated with these difficult conditions. The origin of these ulcer often times are not a result of venous disease alone. Associated conditions include arterial disease, diabetes, lymphedema. Fortunately, the incidence of these open ulcers is approximately one percent of the patient population.

Venous Ulceration is a chronic inflammatory condition that occurs when there is increased pressure within the venous system of the lower extremities. This is the result of failed valves within the venous system, whether the deep, or superficial system. Superficial venous reflux accounts for 20% to 50% and reflux within that deep or perforating veins are associated as well. This reflux can be caused by failed valves or by venous outflow of structured. Both conditions should be searched for using duplex sonography.

Treatments today can be achieved successfully for patients with these troublesome conditions. Endo venous techniques can be employed locally to treat dysfunctional vein and other problems associated with these conditions. Ablation of these veins can be achieved with a diode laser or by ultrasound guided sclerotherapy of the veins associated with the ulcer and with tumescent compression around the treated vein. These techniques are performed on an office based outpatient basis and eliminates the source of pressure keeping the ulcer open.

After this treatment, the ulcer is then allowed to heal to good healthy granulated tissue. Some of the ulcer will reepithelialize , or form new skin, remaining open ulcer can be treated with a variety of new techniques with variable success. These include Pentoxifilline in combination with compression, Appligraft which is a skin substitute which is applied to the ulcer bed to promote healing, VAC which is a continuous vacuum system applied to the wound which by the force of the vacuum applies a constant pressure on the wound does promoting healing the removal of the detritus and new blood vessel formation. Growth factors and stem cell therapies are developing technologies to help treat this condition.

With these new techniques patients with ulcers of the Hoekstra race can expect excellent results resulting in healing that keeps their ulcers closed - thus improving the quality of their lives.

Should you require more information please call us today!